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Nasia Bella Performing Artist
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Nasia’s performances do more than just entertain; they serve as a relatable, inspiring touchstone for young people. By sharing her own journey as an artist, she encourages students to embrace their passions, build self-confidence, and pursue their goals with resilience. Her relatable stage presence shows adolescents that they can use their voices to share their stories and enact positive change. She connects very well for a 16 year old.
EF Educational Tours
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EF Educational Tours is the Global Leader in International Education. Our focus is helping educators bring the classroom to life for their middle and high school students through travel opportunities. We provide a wide range of educator-led, international educational travel programs that support curricular priorities and social emotional learning as well as align with the New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate – specifically reinforcing Global Citizenship, Cultural Competency as well as the essential skill development. With over 300 itineraries across 50 different countries, EF has something that aligns with your priorities for your district. Arts education is woven throughout most all of our tour themes including: Language & Culture, Service Learning, STEM, CTE, Social Studies, Leadership and more. Every tour provides students with in-depth exploration, authentic connections and hands-on experience. For questions and to get a program started in your district – please contact Michele Ahouse: michele.ahouse@ef.com or 617-429-7554. To learn more about the types of programs we offer, please check out our collections page here: https://www.eftours.com/educational-tours/collections To learn more about our educational philosophy and alignment, please go here: https://www.eftours.com/our-story/educational-approach This performance supports the following NYS Learning Standards: Next Generation Learning Standards: English Language Arts: Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening) Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening) Next Generation Learning Standards: Mathematical Practices: Making sense of problems and persevere in solving them Learning Standards for Physical Education: Resource management Science and Engineering Practices: • Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) • Planning and carrying out investigations • Analyzing and Interpreting data • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information Learning Standards for the Arts: Creating (imagine, plan, make, envision, develop) Performing (rehearse, evaluate, refine, prepare, share) Responding (reflect, interpret, evaluate, critique) Connecting (relate artistic ideas with societal, cultural & historical context) Learning Standards for Technology Education: Tools, resources, and technological processes History and evolution of technology Impacts of technology Management of technology Program Categories: Animals / Environmental Education / Farms / Nature / Art / English / Language Arts / History / Math / Multicultural / Museums / Exhibits / Poetry / Science / Teamwork / Leadership Skills / Tourism / Wellness / Life Skills / Bully Prevention / Character Education Cost: Costs are dependent on destination, length of tour and time of year.
Imaginary Circumstances
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Imaginary Circumstances brings theatre education to K–12 students across the Capital Region. Taught by working actors and educators, we offer classes and workshops in acting, improv, and writing for groups of all sizes—plus in-school puppet and improv shows. Our Professional Development workshops help teams boost creativity, collaboration, listening, and communication through theatre.
Via Aquarium
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Via Aquarium is the only full-scale aquarium in the Capital Region. We provide an avenue for students of all ages to explore the natural world from freshwater to saltwater and even terrestrial life with reptiles and amphibians. If your school can't make their way to us, our education team can travel with select animals to provide these experiences within your classroom. Field Trips - $12 admissions per student, free admissions for staff, $14 admissions for chaperones, $5 for add-on educational programs, and $10/cup of stingray food. Outreach Programs are $350 for a 60-minute program, $200 for a 30-minute session, and any session after that is discounted. Our travel fee is $0.75 per mile over 30 in both directions (i.e. first 60 miles are excluded in the fee). Programs are available for students in preschool through high school.
Mat Heagerty
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I'm a kids' graphic novel author who over the last two years has presented at over 350 elementary and middle schools across America. My interactive, fast-paced presentations focus on the power of collaboration and the strengths of neurodiversity. As a dyslexic, one of my favorite things to present on is the strengths of neurodiversity. My books like Lumberjackula, Martian Ghost Centaur, and Indoor Kid have received starred reviews from most major trade journals, named to several state lists, and made the ALA best graphic novels list. I also used to work in higher ed at Boise State University where I taught classes on publishing and creative writing. I'd love to come speak with your students about creativity and persevering through learning differences!
Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium
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The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium offers engaging programs for students from pre-K to college, featuring live animals. Our programs align with New York State Learning Standards and can be customized to meet your specific needs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore outdoor ponds and living wildlife displays in our two aquarium buildings. Program Offerings: Guided Tours: Discover various animal exhibits discuss themes such as Fins & Jaws, Aquatic Habitats, Life Cycles in Nature, Adaptations, Hatching Trout, Reptiles & Amphibians, Aquaculture, and General. Seasonal Activities: Participate in seasonal programs such as Egg Stripping, Pond Life, and Freshwater Ecology. If you are unable to join us for a field trip, we also provide outreach and virtual options.
Path To Rhythm - Group Drumming & Dance
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*TOP RATED INTERACTIVE CULTURAL ARTS PROGRAM* We are Path To Rhythm, and we provide a highly interactive and professionally directed Group Drumming and Dance Program for your students. We consistently get 100% engagement with all participants throughout the duration of our program. Our unique program, "A Day of Drum & Dance" has become very popular with the schools we have worked with for several years. We take pride in offering "Grade specific assemblies". It is common that if it is our first time working with a school, after our session a teacher will express to us that it is the best assembly that they have ever had at their school. Our program is unique in that we consistently get 100% engagement with each of the grades that we work with. Because we work with only one grade at a time, all students are hands-on active throughout their session with us and participate in both drumming and dancing. My co-facilitator, Yahya Kamate, has an incredible positive and infectious energy that the students love. Not only does he share about the culture that he originates from in West Africa, but the two of us working together is a model for cultural diversity. As the Founder of Path To Rhythm, I bring my many years of teaching and performing experience to help ensure a highly managed and accountable environment that sets a tone of respect, fun and learning during our programs. DAY OF DRUM & DANCE - (Available for single days or multiple days and residency) Path To Rhythm provides educational and interactive group drumming programs for schools. We bring authentic African hand drums called Djembes to your location and lead interactive, 45 -minute sessions of drumming for groups of 25-90 participants. Each session is led by two teaching artist facilitators. Half of the group of students drum while the other half learns a short dance, after the dance is performed the groups switch parts. Each student learns the benefit of drumming and being of service to the dancers. The group works together and has high energy fun in the process! Path To Rhythm is suited for all age groups and grade levels of children and young adults. This program will create a buzz and excitement that will be the talk of the school for days following our visit. Students will be inspired and feel a new sense of community and school spirit, all while learning Cultural Rhythms. We are educators and professional performers, we commit to provide excellent management to ensure that each group reaches its fullest potential. Path To Rhythm will provide full size Djembe (hand) drums for all participants. Each student will have their own drum to play, all of the drums are alike. Benefits: -Aligns with NYS Learning Standards -Exposes children to music making and dance of other cultures -Promotes self regulation -Creates a sense of community & connection. -Honors and celebrates students, teachers and admin. -Encourages creative expression. -Impact! Creates excitement that can be felt throughout the day. -Releases energy. -Interactive hands-on FUN. Requirements: Use of the full gymnasium or large indoor space for the day. Chairs for participants to sit in while they drum. Access to the space to set up at least one hour before start time. PLEASE SEE OUR VIDEO: https://youtu.be/vwTX9wP7Fc Please contact Adam (adam@pathtorhythm.com) with any questions. We look forward to collaborating with you! Recent testimonials: "We feel incredibly fortunate to have Path to Rhythm visit and do a full week residency at Dows Lane School. Their visit was not only a deeply enriching experience, but also a testament to the power of music and movement to bring out the best in every child. From the moment Adam Issadore and Yahya Kamate arrived, they created an atmosphere where every student felt valued, supported, and capable of achieving something remarkable. In a short amount of time, our young learners were able to master rhythms on the djembe; participate in lively, storytelling dance movements; and connect with each other in ways that we never imagined. Even the youngest students in kindergarten were able to grasp complex rhythms and movements, feeling a deep sense of pride in what they had learned. What made this experience even more impactful was how Adam and Yahya adapted their teaching to meet the varied needs and interests of our students. Whether it was a student who needed more time to practice a rhythm or one who was eager to challenge themself further, Adam and Yahya knew just how to offer personalized guidance. It was evident that their instruction went deeper than just teaching—they were truly connecting with the individual needs and learning styles of our students, making every lesson feel accessible, fun and new. We are so grateful to Adam and Yahya for bringing Path to Rhythm to Dows Lane. This experience has made a lasting impact on our students, and we know they will carry the lessons they learned—about rhythm, movement, culture, and most importantly, the joy of learning—into the future. -William Rich, Dows Lane Elementary, Irvington, NY "Path To Rhythm was an incredible experience for every student, teacher, staff member, and administrator. With authentic African hand drums called Djembes in our hands and the power of music in our souls, we engaged in a unique program that reached every child. The students were divided into two groups: one half drummed while the other half learned a short dance. After performing the dance, they switched roles. The energy was buzzing, smiles were endless, and our school community connected in a profound way. As we learned about African culture and experienced the dances of traditional stories, it became clear that this program is a must-have every year!" -Dan Salerno, Asst. Principal, Searingtown Elementary, NY
John Petrelli
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John Petrelli is a motivational speaker, coach, and the author of Confessions of a Hollywood Trainer, an Amazon #1 new release. With over 30 years of experience, John has transformed the lives of Grammy Award- winning artists, Hollywood celebrities, and individuals from all walks of life. But John’s path to success was far from easy. In high school, John was cut from every sports team and barely graduated. Struggling with identity, self-worth, and unresolved anger, he lacked the communication skills and support system needed to thrive. A life-changing arrest just before college marked a personal low point—one that ultimately sparked his transformation. Rather than give in, John chose to rise. For the first time, he began to embrace his failures and coined his personal philosophy: “Perfecting the Art of Failure.” In 2021, John faced another defining moment: a sudden diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)—a rare autoimmune disease that left him temporarily paralyzed and in the ICU. As someone whose career was rooted in physical strength, John leaned entirely on mental resilience to fight his way back. Today, John is one of the most in-demand fitness professionals and motivational speakers, known for his raw authenticity and life-tested message: Failure isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of transformation. Perfecting the Art of Failure Hi, I’m John Petrelli and I teach people how to do the “Perfect the Art of Failure” in their lives and careers. I teach and inspire audiences to understand that failure isn’t an identity but merely the stepping stones to future success, because I believe when we reframe the way we approach life’s challenges we unlock our fullest potential. John shares how altering your approach to challenges can open doors to new possibilities and propel you towards success. Discover the three core principles – Changing our Perception, Structured dissection, and Unwavering drive – that help elite performers leverage the true abilities to achieve greater success in all areas of life. In this program, you’ll learn… 1. To Understand the Power of Perception: Explore how our perceptions shape your actions and ultimately determine your outcomes. 2. To Master the Art of Dissection: Learn how effectively dissecting your progress is crucial for identifying stepping stones towards success. 3. To Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone: Discover the “Perfecting the Art of Failure” framework – three simple steps for turning challenges into valuable learning experiences. 4. To Unlock Your Full Potential with Drive: Learn strategies to overcome limitations and unleash your full potential for personal and professional growth. Program 2:Unlocking your personal Wellness Code As a professional fitness coach, working with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry— unlocking your personal wellness code is a crucial key to success. By applying his own Personal Wellness Code, John defied the odds and rebuilt his health from being paralyzed, proving that true wellness goes beyond just the body—it starts with the mind. John reveals how Understanding in detail what your personal Wellness needs are can unlock new opportunities, a new level of energy and confidence. Learn the three core Wellness Code Principles— Awareness, Identify, and Implementation — used by thousands of John’s clients to help maximize their health, wellness and potential. In this program, you’ll learn… 1. Empowerment & Personalization Encourages individuals to take ownership of their health rather than following a one size fits all approach. Encourages experimentation and awareness by teaching them a DATA DRIVEN approach to their health rather than blindly following trends or generalized health advice. Empowers you to discover what truly works for their body in terms of energy, sleep, exercise, and overall health. 2. Preventing Missed Potential Learn how to recognize your body’s signals before they turn into burnout or health issues. Uncover the daily habits that quietly drain your energy and how to replace them with supportive habits. Understand how stress impacts your performance and what you can do to shift that. 3. Emotional & Motivational The audience leaves understanding that they likely have untapped potential and gives them the motivational keys to Unlock their OWN “Wellness Code.”
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
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LOOKING FOR FIELD TRIP IDEAS FOR YOUR CLASS? Visit the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and experience a globally rare habitat minutes from downtown Albany and Schenectady! LET YOUR SENSE OF WONDER GROW IN THE ALBANY PINE BUSH PRESERVE At the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, students explore real-world phenomena and learn through inquiry-based investigations. • We offer programs for grades pre-k through high school, homeschool groups, colleges, Scouting groups and other special interest groups. • Visit the Discovery Center, a one-of-a-kind interpretive center with interactive exhibits, demonstration gardens, accessible outdoor Discovery Trail and more. • For information on program logistics, fees and resources visit AlbanyPineBush.org • Bus funding available through the Friends of the Pine Bush Community Ticket to Ride grant. Details at PineBushFriends.org • In-classroom teacher kits are available for loan at no cost. School Group Volunteer Opportunities We also offer community service opportunities for classes to complete in the preserve including: invasive species removal, seed collection and trash pick-up. For more info visit www.albanypinebush.org/schools or call 518-456-0655
National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum
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As a nonprofit educational institution the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to helping every fan learn more about the game, its rich history and its impact on our culture. Museum programs that provide K-12 students and teachers interactive and meaningful learning experiences that align with national learning standards in Cooperstown, online and in their communities; and a robust lineup of virtual programs for diverse audiences. The Museum currently offers 15 baseball-themed curriculum components that provide interactive and meaningful learning engagement. The curriculum features all of the major subject areas, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Social Studies, Character Education, the Arts and Humanities. The lesson plans can be delivered by our museum teachers in Cooperstown or virtually into the classroom. They may also be downloaded and utilized in the classroom at no cost.
Natalya Sukhonos/ Ian Singleton
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We are Ukrainian-American poet Natalya Sukhonos and novelist / translator Ian Ross Singleton. We both work in the arts and traverse different cultures in their work. We propose a cultural program in which we will present our work, engage the students in discussion, and do two mini-workshops showcasing translation, fiction, and poetry writing. First, we will engage students with the following questions: "Are you a part of an immigrant diaspora in New York? Do you speak other languages? Do you translate between languages? How does language affect the culture(s) you’re a part of? Are you an artist, and how do you use other cultures and languages in your art?" Students will then participate in two mini workshops. Natalya will lead them in writing poetry about identity, memory, language, and place. Ian will demonstrate how translation can work even within a single language. We and the students will share our work in a reading framed as a creative connection with language, culture, and identity. Natalya will share poems about identity and immigration from her latest collection, Sunlight Trapped in Stone: https://greenwriterspress.com/book/sunlight-trapped-in-stone/. Ian will read a sample from his upcoming translation: https://books.huri.harvard.edu/books/the-shipwright. After this activity, it’s expected that students will have a renewed appreciation of the immigrant experience in New York, as well as the multiple ways in which language can affirm and construct identity, a lesson that will be invaluable to an adolescent audience.
Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum
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At the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum we offer a plethora of educational enrichment programs. Our most popular programs are: Homestead Days: A two hour program where students spend time at 6-8 stations outside learning old-fashioned homestead skills such as candlemaking, butterchurning, and how to put out a fire via bucket brigade. Geared toward 2nd & 3rd Graders and offered in June each year. Summer Fun Days: A week of fun at the Homestead for children aged 7-12. For 3 hours each day, students will join in the historical summer camp fun. Each year rotating the activities to include: soapmaking, old fashioned game day, seed starting, and more. Open to the public, spots limited to 15 children per day. Twas the Night Before Christmas: A 45 minute program for nursery children through 1st grade that includes a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas accompanied by a puppet show and followed by a scavenger hunt through the museum and a sampling of sugar plums. Generally the last week of school before Winter Break. We also offer private programs geared toward special interest groups. For example we have done a homestead skill day combined with museum tour for teens in the Children of the American Revolution group. We also offer multiple Girl Scout and Boy Scout Badge Programs.